Book Binder’s musical style was shaped in the 1960s by traveling extensively with the blues and gospel singer, the Rev. Gary Davis. Known as a remarkable guitarist and storyteller, Book Binder says what he performs is “really old-time hillbilly music,” rather than straight-away blues. His eclectic repertoire includes blues, country tunes, bluegrass, folk and popular songs that originated on Tin Pan Alley.
“Living Blues” has described Book Binder as “a seasoned, mature blues artist with a sound of his own. He is a genuine example of the traveling-bluesman tradition that began in the ‘20s, was revived in the ‘60s, and continues today.”

Traveling across the country and around the world for four decades, Book Binder has performed at most major blues and folk festivals (Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia), sharing the stage with, among others, B.B. King, Sonny Terry, Doc Watson, Ray Charles and Brownie McGhee. At Merlefest, Book Binder has hosted the acoustic blues stage for close to 20 years.

Book Binder has toured nationally with Bonnie Raitt, performed regularly on “Nashville Now,” the long-running country music television show, and had his music career documented in such books as “The Blues Who’s Who” and “The Big Book of Blues.” He is also a guitar teacher.

Bureau Valley Vision Care in Princeton is the sponsor of the Roy Book Binder show.

The Princeton Coffeehouse offers traditional and modern folk, blues and bluegrass music, monthly August through May. A $100 season subscription may be purchased at the concert or by sending a check to the Princeton Coffeehouse, c/o Paul Kautz, 922 S. Euclid Ave., Princeton, IL 61356. A single show admission is $12 at the door.

The Princeton Coffeehouse is located at the Open Prairie UCC Church, 25 E. Marion St. in Princeton. The venue is completely accessible and there is ample free parking nearby. Doors open at 7 p.m. Fair trade coffee, tea and homemade desserts are available.

For more information, visit www.theprincetoncoffeehouse.com or call 815/872-6501.